Sweet surrender
Craving a treat? Here’s where to find sugar, spice and all things nice.
Durban
Spoonful Eatery 90 Helen Joseph Rd, Glenwood; 031 201 2585 Tasty savoury options abound on the menu, but it’s the sweet stuff that has us coming back for more. The chocolate brownie with red velvet Italian frosting (R25), and espresso and salted caramel cupcake (R22) are especially heavenly. Story Durban 3 Lumsden Cres, Morningside; 031 827 8679 Dessert is the highlight of a fine dinner at this inviting spot. The vanilla spiced panna cotta drizzled with a strawberry gastrique and Chantilly cream (R70) is a standout, and the crème brûleé with cinnamon ice cream (R79) is almost too pretty to eat. Ebb & Flo Cafe 1 Palm Blvd, Gateway Centre, Umhlanga; 031 566 3084 Post-shopping treats don’t get much better than this. The Big Apple (caramelised apple and honey piped doughnut with whipped cream; R45) or the homemade sticky toffee pudding served with vanilla ice cream (R49) are the must-tries.
Joburg
Gemelli Cucina Bar Cnr Main Rd and Posthouse St, Shop 13, Posthouse Link Centre, Bryanston; 010 591 4333 The dessert menu at this authentic Italian eatery would make any sweet lover swoon. Our favourites include the beautifully plated Chocolate Nemesis (R85) and, a twist on the classic cheesecake, the Almond Nougat Torta di Formaggio (R85). Crumbs & Cream Cnr Oxford Rd and Corlett Dr, Illovo Junction, Illovo; 081 343 2761 Love cookies, waffles and ice cream with mega toppings? Then this should be your go-to spot. Ice-cream sandwiches (from R38) are the speciality and you can explore moreish flavours like Turkish delight, caramel cheesecake and banana fudge (from R29) or take home a box of cookies (R100). Vovo Telo 22 Lonehill Blvd, Lonehill Shopping Centre, Lonehill; 011 024 2233 Vovo Telo may be best known for its great breakfasts and artisan breads, but the extensive menu of baked delights here is equally tempting. So, whether you’re in the mood for an indulgent spread or just going for a little treat, you won’t be disappointed. The chocolate brownie with mascarpone (R33) and lemon meringue tartlets (R26) get our special vote.
Cape Town
Honest Chocolate Café 64A Wale St, CBD; 076 765 8306 The focus at this cosy and stylish artisanal shop is on pure, superquality chocolate, all hand-crafted using old-school methods and organic ingredients. For something unusual, try the banana bread bunny chow filled with vanilla ice cream and chocolate spread (R45) or the Mexican Spiced hot chocolate (R32). The Creamery Cnr Dean and Main St, Newlands Quarter, Newlands; 021 686 3975 This happening casual-chic ‘dessert café’ is perfect for sweet fixes, day or night, and the temptations range from delicious handmade ice cream by the scoop (from R34) to brilliant banana splits (R60), and classic waffles and ice cream (single scoop; R48 and double scoop; R72). My Sugar 77 Regent St, La Rhone Building, Sea Point; 021 433 2335 You’ll find a delectable range of handmade chocolate truffles, from classic to skull-shaped, at this trendy and welcoming chocolate and coffee bar. Don’t miss the milkshakes in flavours like butterscotch popcorn, cookie butter and caramelised coconut (from R55). And, while you’re at it, try the crème brûleé doughnut with vanilla custard (R40) or the lemon meringue doughnut with zingy and refreshing lemon curd (R40).